WATCH: Helicopter crashes into lake in front of busy restaurant - diners look on in horror

A helicopter plummeted into a lake on Sunday morning, sending smoke and a large plume of water into the air as diners in a local restaurant watched in horror.

The helicopter crash took place at Lake Saint Claire in Michigan, with the condition and number of passengers on board currently unknown.

The red helicopter can be seen attempting to touch down at a landing pad next to the lake.

However, it appears to struggle to make contact, before its tail end lifts up high in the air and onlookers begin to scream.

Then, the aircraft's weight shifts, and the Eurocopter EC-130 helicopter slams into the lake, sending the bystanders running.

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Eyewitnesses at the Cabana Blue Lakefront Sports Bar and Grill near the waterfront reported seeing the crash.

The bar is promoted as a spot to "come together for the ultimate dining experience" on the waterfront.

"Located in Clay Township, Michigan, our bar and grill offers a unique blend of casual elegance and waterfront fun," the venue's website states. "Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, freshly prepared seafood, and mouthwatering burgers, all while taking in breathtaking sunset views."

But customers' stunning vistas turned into a terrifying scene in a matter of seconds on Sunday morning.

The restaurant confirmed to The Mirror US that customers and staff had witnessed the accident.

Lake Saint Claire, a small lake straddling the border between Michigan and Ontario, Canada, is situated right next to Detroit and just a short drive from London, Ontario.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the aircraft involved was a Eurocopter EC-130 helicopter, carrying four passengers.

It tipped onto its side whilst attempting to land near the restaurant.

Miraculously, it appears that all four occupants managed to walk away unscathed, with no injuries reported.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the helicopter lost balance during its descent and toppled over.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported hearing a loud thud, followed by a cloud of dust, as seen in photographs taken after the incident.